SMOKE Solo Show Brighton: A Powerful Night of Theatre at Ironworks – Join us
SMOKE solo show Brighton comes to Ironworks Studios on 30 April 2026 — one night only. Written and performed by leading queer theatre-maker Alexis Gregory and directed by the internationally renowned Campbell X, this is one of the most talked-about theatre productions touring the UK this spring.
Don’t miss the chance to see the SMOKE solo show Brighton, where powerful storytelling takes centre stage.
Following a sold-out premiere at Kings Head Theatre London and six dates at Omnibus Theatre, SMOKE arrives in Brighton as part of a nationwide tour in partnership with LGBTQ+ mental health organisation You Are Loved.
The SMOKE solo show Brighton promises an unforgettable evening of theatre.
★★★★ “This riveting queer thriller will have you wholeheartedly captivated from beginning to end… a masterful storyteller” — Rated Reviewed
One of the most anticipated Brighton theatre shows in April 2026…
What Is SMOKE?
Everyday reality meets everyday fantasy in this queer comic thriller.
Alex has a new message on Instagram from his boyfriend Ben. But Ben died two years ago.
What initially appears to be an everyday hack quickly turns into something quite different, as Alex’s life spirals out of control in this solo queer-thriller-meets-dark-comedy, placing the audience central to the unfolding drama.
Performed in stripped-back form — no lighting design, no stage effects — just Alex, his story, his mobile phone, and you. SMOKE explores being a man, being queer, family, drugs, class, conspiracy theories, hackers, today’s obsession with self-documentation, living and dying in the digital age, survival and the Demon Twink in Starbucks.
Witness the engaging narrative of the SMOKE solo show Brighton that pushes the boundaries of theatre.
It’s a wild assault on the senses and a peak into a hidden world.
The Creative Team
Alexis Gregory — writer and performer — is one of the most distinctive voices in British queer theatre. His previous solo piece Riot Act toured the UK four times, visiting the country’s leading theatres, and his work has been performed in the West End, translated for international performance and adapted for digital theatre. His plays are published by Bloomsbury imprint Methuen.
“Queer theatre doesn’t get more essential” — Metro
“Gregory has proved one of the most idiosyncratic and provocative queer artists on the British stage” — The Stage
“This stand-out piece of theatre will become part of LGBTQ cultural heritage” — Attitude
Campbell X — director — is an internationally renowned filmmaker and theatre-maker whose credits include Stud Life (voted by The Guardian as one of the top 10 Black British feature films ever made), DES!RE, and My White Best Friend at the Royal Court Theatre.
The Panel — You Are Loved
Each performance of SMOKE is followed by a 45-minute panel discussion hosted by You Are Loved CIC — a community interest company founded to fight the silent epidemic of LGBTQ+ suicide and drug-related deaths.
The discussions following each SMOKE solo show Brighton will deepen your understanding of the themes presented.
You Are Loved was founded in September 2024 by social scientist and UCL PhD researcher Marc Svensson, whose mission is to reduce stigma, shame and loneliness whilst improving mental health and wellbeing across the LGBTQ+ community. You Are Loved runs the UK’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ bereavement support groups for people grieving the loss of a loved one from suicide or drugs — free to attend, weekly, both online and in-person.
The panel brings together local LGBTQIA+ voices, support organisations and community members for open conversation — creating a space not just for watching, but for genuine reflection.
“Absolutely top notch event. Wholesome, important, much needed. The cadence of the event was really well done, from the performance to the panel discussion.” — Audience member, Kings Head Theatre
What the Audience Said
“It was a banger. Best show Alexis has done. The writing, performance and vibe was totally on point. Very relevant. Stellar direction from Campbell X.”
“Phenomenal. We were gripped from start to finish.”
“Smoke is absolutely compelling. Great writing, superb performance, brilliantly funny and achingly truthful.”
“I drove home with a teary eye.”
“It was BRILLIANT. So funny. And so truthful. Wow. I’m still recovering.”
Who Is This For?
This evening is for anyone who loves bold, contemporary theatre — and for anyone touched by the themes it explores.
SMOKE and the You Are Loved panel will particularly resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences, people living with or affected by addiction or in recovery, theatre and performing arts students, and anyone with an interest in mental health, solo performance, queer culture and storytelling.
Although primarily queer-focused, the whole evening has wide appeal — touching on survival, grief, societal isolation, community cohesion and navigating urban life.
Age recommendation: 16+
The performance contains adult language, references to homophobic assault, drug abuse, sexual abuse and grooming, grief, mental health issues, psychosis, stalking and suicide.
The 2026 UK Tour SMOKE solo show
Brighton is part of a major national tour taking SMOKE to some of the UK’s finest venues:
Be part of the SMOKE solo show Brighton experience and enjoy an evening of thought-provoking theatre.
21–25 April London — Omnibus Theatre (6 dates)
28 April Hastings — White Rock Theatre
30 April Brighton — Ironworks ← YOU ARE HERE – SMOKE solo show Brighton
9 May Norwich — Theatre Royal
12 May Bristol — The Wardrobe Theatre
14 May Margate — ARK
21 May Salford — Lowry
4 June Hull — Truck Theatre
12 June Poole — Lighthouse
20 June Nottingham Playhouse
When & Where SMOKE solo show Brighton
The SMOKE solo show Brighton is set to be a highlight of the theatre calendar.
Ironworks Studios is one of Brighton’s leading independent venues, known for hosting bold theatre, cabaret and live performances.
📅 30 April 2026 SMOKE solo show Brighton
📍 Ironworks Studios
30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD
📅 Thursday 30 April 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
⏱ Running time: approx. 2 h 10 min
(60 min show + 10 min interval + 45 min panel)
🎟 Tickets: £10 – £13.50 https://www.ironworks-studios.co.uk
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly — early booking is highly recommended.
Further Information
🌐 youare-loved.com 🌐 alexisgregory.co.uk 📸 @alexis.gregory · @youareloved.cic · @campbellx
Production photos by Tyler Kelly. You Are Loved photos by David Salas.
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